On November 2nd, 2012 the Sacramento Bee and the Missoula Independent published graphic images of Wyoming-based Wildlife Services employee Jamie P. Olson's dogs tormenting and mauling trapped wildlife including coyotes, bobcats and raccoons. The articles detailed animal abuse and torture instigated by Olson, who posted these photographs (several of which are described as “work” indicating he took these while working for the government) on various websites including his personal Facebook Page and several hunting sites.

Gary Strader, a former Wildlife Services trapper in Nevada, reports in the Sacramento Bee (11.2.12) that such abuse is “very common” and was not surprised to learn about the photos. "It always was and always will be controversial. It has never been addressed by the higher-ups. They know it happens on a regular basis."

Such brutality and callous disregard for the welfare of animals is particularly egregious when done by a government employee in the course of his employment and must not be tolerated.

Please join Project Coyote, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and many other organizations and individuals in calling for Olson’s immediate termination and for an investigation into this and other reports of animal cruelty.

(Please click "Opt-In" when signing this petition and we will keep you informed on meaningful ways to protect coyotes and other native carnivores from wanton abuse and cruelty and to promote coexistence instead of killing.)Thank you.

Letter to

Secretary, U.S. Department of AgricultureTom Vilsack

State Director Wyoming Wildlife ServicesRod Krischke

Deputy Administrator for Wildlife ServicesWilliam Clay

I was shocked and saddened to read about USDA Wildlife Services federal trapper Jamie Olson's posting of photographs of his dogs tormenting and mauling trapped wildlife including coyotes, bobcats and raccoons on his personal Facebook and Twitter pages.

Many of these graphic and gruesome images have appeared in the media and additional reports of intentional animal abuse and cruelty by federal USDA employees are continuing to surface.

Gary Strader, a former Wildlife Services trapper in Nevada, reports in the Sacramento Bee (11.5.12) that such abuse is “very common” and was not surprised to learn about the photos. "It always was and always will be controversial. It has never been addressed by the higher-ups. They know it happens on a regular basis."

Such brutality and callous disregard for the welfare of animals is particularly egregious when done by a government employee in the course of his employment and must not be tolerated.

I concur with Project Coyote, the Animal Welfare Institute and the many other organizations that have called for Olson’s immediate termination and for an investigation into this and similar reports of animal abuse and cruelty by USDA employees.